Vatican city - Pope Francis offered his condolences to King Charles III and the people of the United Kingdom on the death of Queen Elizabeth, "and praises her selfless service for the good of the nation and the commonwealth," the pope said.
The queen died at Balmoral Palace in Scotland, her summer residence pursuing health problems since October last year.
Shortly after her death, Pope Francis sent a telegram to offer his condolences to King Charles III for the death of his mother, the UK's longest-serving monarch.
"Deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I offer heartfelt condolences to Your Majesty, the Members of the Royal Family, the People of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth."
The Pope said he joins everyone who mourns her loss “in praying for the late Queen's eternal rest, and in paying tribute to her life of unstinting service to the good of the Nation and the Commonwealth, her example of devotion to duty, her steadfast witness of faith in Jesus Christ and her firm hope in his promises.”
Queen Elizabeth met five Popes
As the royal family gathered at Balmoral Castle on Thursday amid concerns over Queen Elizabeth's health, the Catholic bishops of England and Wales offered prayers for her and her family.
Pope Francis in 2014
When Queen Elizabeth II met Pope Francis at the Vatican in April 2014, she presented the pontiff with a food hamper filled with local delicacies and a bottle of Balmoral whiskey. The meeting marked the 100th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the Holy See.
Pope Benedict XVI in 2010
Pope Benedict XVI's first meeting with Queen Elizabeth was in Edinburgh, Scotland, during his four-day visit to the United Kingdom in September 2010. The Pope said, "It was a very friendly meeting, sharing many deep concerns about the well-being of the world's peoples and the role of Christian values in society."
Pope John Paul II in 1980, 1982 and 2000
Queen Elizabeth first met Pope John Paul II at the Vatican on October 13, 1980, for an official visit with her late husband Prince Philip.
In May 1982, Pope John Paul II visited the Queen at Buckingham Palace. It was also the first time a Pope visited Britain. Almost 20 years later, the Queen also held a private meeting with the Polish Pope at the Vatican in October.
Pope John XXIII in 1961
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip shared an audience together with Pope John XXIII at the Apostolic Palace on May 5, 1961. "The Pope expressed his "deep personal respect" for the Queen for bearing the burden of such great responsibilities with such simplicity and dignity."
Pope Pius XII in 1951
The Princess visited Pope Pius XII in 1951, a year before Queen Elizabeth's accession to the throne.
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth, who was on the British throne for more than seven decades, will last for ten days. It is the first such ceremony to be held in Britain since the 1960s. It is an official day of mourning in the UK for ten days. Official programs, including those in Parliament, have been postponed.
After the Queen's death, her son Charles will become the next king. Prince Charles' coronation proceedings are also pre-recorded. An official announcement will be made at St. James's Palace later today.
Meanwhile, back in London, an impressive double rainbow was captured by mourners gathered at Buckingham Palace, as reporter Andy Lines shared in a video, after a statement announcing the Queen's death had been placed at the gates.